Hoshin Tao Chi Kung has come a long way since Dr. Glenn Morris first laid the foundation for this remarkable system. In his vision, Glenn sought to combine traditional Taoist practices, martial arts principles, and modern methods of energy cultivation, creating a unique and holistic approach to chi (internal energy) work. His goal was clear: to enable students to harness and refine their internal power for healing, self-defense, and personal development. But as with all great systems, Hoshin Tao Chi Kung has evolved—particularly under the guidance of Soke Rob Williams.
In Glenn's early work, Hoshin Tao Chi Kung was centered around meditation practices that focused heavily on chi circulation, breath control, and the connection between the dantian (lower energy center) and the rest of the body. Glenn emphasized seated meditation, static postures, and focused breathing techniques, all designed to stimulate and guide the flow of chi. These meditations were influenced by ancient Taoist practices, aiming to clear energy blockages, balance the internal organs, and strengthen the practitioner’s connection to their body’s energy.
One of the key practices that Glenn introduced was the Microcosmic Orbit meditation, a traditional Taoist method that circulates energy through the body's main meridians, from the lower dantian up the spine to the crown of the head, and then down the front of the body. This practice was seen as essential for cultivating and refining chi. Glenn described this meditation in Path Notes, presenting it as a powerful tool for developing energetic awareness, physical health, and deeper mental clarity. He emphasized the importance of concentrating on the breath and visualizing the flow of energy as a way to strengthen the mind-body connection.
However, as Hoshin Tao Chi Kung evolved under Rob Williams’ leadership, the approach to meditation, energy work, and the flow of chi underwent several important refinements. While Glenn’s Microcosmic Orbit and other meditations remained an essential part of the practice, Rob’s contributions focused more on dynamic and practical applications of energy. Rather than solely emphasizing seated meditation, Rob began integrating movement-based meditations, walking meditations, and even exercises that incorporated chi into daily activities. His goal was to make chi cultivation more accessible and practical for modern practitioners.
In Rob’s writings, he refers to what he calls "Walking the Way of the Wind," a moving meditation practice that mirrors tai chi but with an emphasis on Hoshin’s unique internal principles. In this method, practitioners use slow, deliberate movements that align with their breath, creating a flow of energy that is more fluid than the static meditations introduced by Glenn. This evolution made the practice more applicable to martial arts training, as students learn to move with intention and awareness, allowing chi to support their physical techniques.
Rob also introduces more advanced meditative practices, some of which were touched on by Glenn but significantly expanded under Rob's guidance. For example, Glenn mentioned Emptiness Meditation, which focused on quieting the mind and creating a space for intuitive insight to arise. While this was largely a mental practice in Glenn’s work, Rob expanded it by connecting this emptiness to energetic awareness, teaching students to use the stillness of the mind to better perceive their own energy field and that of others. This evolution reflects Rob’s emphasis on the connection between mental clarity and energy sensitivity, especially as it applies to martial training.
Another key shift in Rob’s approach to Hoshin Tao Chi Kung was the increased focus on Intention and Sensitivity Training. While Glenn certainly encouraged students to explore the edges of human potential, Rob has taken that concept and grounded it in more practical exercises. He introduces specific meditations that train practitioners to sense and manipulate their chi and that of others. These practices include learning to feel energy in the hands, which Rob refined into exercises where students work with partners to sense their opponent’s movements or intentions before they physically manifest. This psionics-like ability—what Rob sometimes refers to as chi sensitivity games—builds upon Glenn’s original work but takes it to a more interactive level.
Rob’s contributions have also expanded the healing aspects of Hoshin Tao Chi Kung, which was always part of Glenn’s original vision. Glenn wrote extensively about the power of chi for self-healing, encouraging students to use their breath and visualization to clear blockages and improve physical health. Rob has refined these healing techniques, incorporating methods from traditional Chinese medicine and other esoteric systems to create a more holistic approach. His healing meditations involve not only moving energy through the body but directing it toward specific areas to heal injuries, balance emotions, and improve overall well-being. This refinement has deepened the healing aspect of the system, making it more robust and practical for modern practitioners.
A noteworthy aspect of Rob’s approach is his focus on the connection between emotions and energy flow. In Glenn’s original teachings, there was a strong emphasis on building raw energy, but Rob’s work highlights the emotional dynamics that influence this process. In his meditative practices, he teaches students to become aware of how emotional states like fear, anger, or sadness impact their energy field. Through specific meditations, such as the Wind Breath meditation (introduced in Rob’s later works), students learn to regulate their emotions and harmonize them with their chi, fostering not just physical resilience but emotional balance as well. This evolution has made Hoshin Tao Chi Kung a more comprehensive system, addressing not just the physical and mental aspects but also the emotional layers of energy work.
In conclusion, Hoshin Tao Chi Kung has evolved from Glenn Morris’s groundbreaking work into a more holistic, dynamic, and accessible system under Rob Williams. While Glenn’s focus on internal energy, meditation, and martial applications remains foundational, Rob has brought new depth to the system. He’s incorporated movement, enhanced sensitivity training, and provided a stronger focus on emotional intelligence and healing. This evolution continues to push the boundaries of what is possible, making Hoshin Tao Chi Kung a living, breathing system that offers practitioners the tools to grow physically, mentally, and spiritually.
The essence of what Glenn began lives on, enriched and expanded by Rob’s contributions. As this system continues to evolve, so too will the possibilities for those who practice it, creating a path that not only strengthens the body but also elevates the mind and spirit.
Yours in the way,
Austin Willey
Hoshin Instructor
